Sunday, September 10, 2006; LZ03

The census report on Loudoun County having the nation's highest median household income did not surprise me. But it was a frustrating reminder of where the average middle class family stands in the county.

Because of the money that is here, you can have two full-time working parents and one child who can barely afford to live in a townhouse because they start in the $500,000s! People assume that because the county as a whole is wealthy, everyone who resides in it is.

The county has a low poverty level, but your middle-class, hard-working Americans are pulling in $65,000 to $75,000 a year and living in the "slums" of Loudoun. It really is ridiculous that one can make that much money but still be on the low end.

Unfortunately, I think all this report is going to do is justify builders' idea that "we" can afford the outlandish prices of homes because we're so wealthy. That may not matter to you if you already reside in a multimillion-dollar home in western Loudoun. But for those of us working, living and serving in our community (my husband is a sheriff's deputy with Loudoun County) and trying to move up, it will be just one more gentle pat on the head -- and a reminder of where we belong.

Heather Earley

Sterling

I love Loudoun County. I think it is beautiful. I just hope that the growth in this county does not get any more out of control than what is already happening. Our Board of Supervisors should explain to residents why we have so many problems budgeting for new schools and roads when we are the richest county in the country.

I think the distinction is good. But we should remember that "to whom much is given, much is expected."

Serena Henderson

Potomac Falls

We relocated from Massachusetts to Ashburn in August 2000. Loudoun is perfectly situated, with easy access to the Dulles Toll Road and the District. During our first few years in Loudoun, we were content and felt that the people living in and around Loudoun were kind and pleasant.

Slowly, that all changed as the cost of housing rose steeply. The influx of residents brought many extremely materialistic, superficial, self-centered and, most of all, rude people. Aggressive drivers became common, and the warmth and friendliness were replaced with indifference and selfishness. Being the nation's wealthiest county connotes financial superiority and snobbishness, in my opinion.

That is why we moved to Clarke County five months ago -- to escape the very same behaviors and attitudes that prompted us to leave Massachusetts six years ago.

Debra Grasso

Berryville